Senator Gataya seeks a statement on welfare and protection of the boy child and men

Parliament Buildings
Tuesday, 3rd June 2025

Senator Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi) has sought a Statement from the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the dignity, welfare and protection of the boy child and men in Kenya.

Sen. Gataya told the Senate that Kenya faces a growing crisis of neglect and marginalization of the boy child and men, reflected in rising school dropout rates, child labour, police brutality against young male protestors, widespread unemployment, substance abuse and mental health struggles.

“This is worsened by the lack of support systems and the silence around sexual and gender-based violence against men. While the empowerment of the girl child has progressed commendably, the boy child has been left behind, creating a generation struggling with identity, dignity, and hope,” stated the lawmaker.

In his request, the Senator wants the Committee to address, among other issues, the concrete actions being taken to improve the welfare of boys and men in Kenya, measures currently in place by the government to prevent and respond to violence, neglect, and abuse of boys and men, and the effectiveness of the implementation of the National Policy for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence and the Gender-Based Violence Action Plan (March 2023), including the challenges faced.

Senator Gataya, who is also the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation, further wants a report on the availability and impact of mental and physical health services tailored specifically for men and boys.

In addition, the UDA party legislator has tasked the Committee, chaired by Senator Julius Murgor (West Pokot) to state any plans in place to adapt educational environments to better support the psychosocial and physical needs of male learners.